ELCOMB, Ky — A vehicle traveling eastbound on KY 72 in Harlan County was involved in an accident that killed one, and left two injured.

According to a report from the Kentucky State Police, a 2000 Chevrolet van driven by Janet Dean dropped off the side of the road. Dean overcorrected to the left when she attempted to steer the vehicle’s tires back up on to the roadway.

She then lost control and spun out in a counter-clockwise direction. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lane, leaving the road, and went airborne off of the embankment. The front passenger side impacted a tree and finally came to rest at the bottom of the embankment.

Dean was flown to Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tenn.; April Dean, a back seat passenger, was also flown to Holston Valley; and James Dean, a third passenger, passed away at the scene from injuries sustained in the wreck.

Trooper James Earl Hensley is continuing the investigation. Sgt. Mark Gillingham and Trooper Jared Boggs assisted at the scene.

Troopers were also assisted at the scene by the Harlan County Rescue Squad, the Harlan County Seriff’s Department, the Harlan City Police Department, the Harlan City Fire Department, and the Harlan County Coroner.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.